2023 Home of the Month Look Book

Home of the Month
Selected Project
Photos: Alyssa Lee Photography
Sunflower | New Build
This accessory dwelling unit (ADU) was designed for a client
seeking to bring her community into her backyard. Her adult
son, a graduate student in architecture, collaborated with the
architect in the design process, eventually becoming the home’s
first tenant.
The 715-square-foot building is screened from the street behind
the primary residence. An existing detached garage on the site
allows this ADU to utilize both floors as living space. Main floor
living spaces (kitchen and living room) are just steps away from the garden and chicken coop. Color and texture
bring a modern warmth to the interior of this small structure. The main-level flooring is polished concrete infused
with radiant heat, providing a rich contrast to the muted green cabinetry. No fossil fuels are used for powering the
appliances, and the heating and cooling are handled with electric mini-splits. Structural insulated panels (SIPs)
were custom fabricated for the project to reduce construction waste, provide a highly insulated assembly, and
reduce outdoor noise in this urban location. Solar panels were added to the detached garage to power the ADU.
Christopher Strom
Architects
christopherstrom.com • hello@christopherstrom.com
Design team: Christopher Strom, AIA; Eric Johnson,
AIA; Isaiah Scharen, AIAS
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